GB604377A - Improvements relating to catalysts for hydrocarbon reactions - Google Patents

Abstract

A catalyst for effecting reactions of aliphatic hydrocarbons, e.g. of paraffins and cycloparaffins as described in Specifications 604,395 and 604,410, [Group IV (b)], is produced by forming an anhydrous mixture of hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride, the hydrogen fluoride constituting more than 50 mols. per cent of the total fluoride; an olefine, e.g. butylene, may also be present in the mixture. e.g. in an amount of 1/2 to 25 per cent of the weight of hydrocarbon treated. Gaseous boron trifluoride is dissolved in liquid hydrofluoric acid and may react therewith to form HBF4. The activity of the catalyst may be altered by varying the partial pressure of the boron trifluoride, which is preferably above 50 lbs. per sq. in. and may be above 150 lbs. per sq. in. Fluorine compounds may be recovered from the reaction mixture by reducing the pressure to liberate boron trifluoride, or by separating the liquid catalyst layer, followed by heating or extraction. Hydrocarbon reactions using the catalyst may be carried out at from -30 DEG to 250 DEG F. and at pressures from atmospheric up to 1000 lbs. per sq. in. In examples, natural gasoline is isomerized at 90 DEG F. and 55 lbs. per sq. in., butane is isomerized at 122 DEG F. and 350 lbs. per sq. in., and natural gasoline is cracked at 130 DEG F. and 207 lbs. per sq. in. Specifications 313,067, [Class 2 (iii)], 486,355; 559,067 and 563,280, [both in Group IV], also are referred to.ALSO:Reactions of aliphatic hydrocarbons, e.g. of paraffins and cycloparaffins as described in Specifications 604,395, [Group III], and 604,410, are carried out in the presence of a catalyst produced by forming an anhydrous mixture of hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride, the hydrogen fluoride constituting more than 50 mols. per cent of the total fluoride; an olefine, e.g. butylene, may also be present in the mixture, e.g. in an amount of 1/2 to 25 per cent of the weight of the hydrocarbon treated (see Group III). The hydrocarbon reactions may be carried out at from -30 DEG to 250 DEG F. and at pressures from atmospheric up to 1000 lbs. per sq. inch. In examples, natural gasoline is isomerized at 122 DEG F. and 350 lbs. per sq. inch. Specifications 313,067, [Class 2 (iii)], 486,355, 559,067 and 563,280 also are referred to.